Finally—my new dining room lantern has arrived!
One glance at the photos shows I picked a different lantern than I originally considered, and I am absolutely in love with it.
You might remember I received a gift card from Apartment Guide to refresh a corner of my home. Shopping with that gift card felt like a little luxury for this budget-conscious mom, and I wanted to choose something I’d enjoy every day.
A view from another angle
Even though the purchase wasn’t out of my own pocket, I still took the decision seriously since this lantern would become part of our daily life. I’ve always loved lanterns with character—every house I’ve lived in has had a lantern or two. They make a space feel like home for me. Do you have items that give you that same comfort?
About 650 readers helped me decide between two options, and your comments were overwhelmingly helpful. I usually trust my own taste, but your insights sparked several “aha” moments and steered my thinking in useful ways.
And now, a view with the lights off so you’re not blinded by the bulbs.
Thank you to everyone who weighed in—I appreciated your time and thoughtful suggestions! In the end I followed my instincts and made a few practical compromises.
Good-bye, old light.
My compromises often involve budget, using existing pieces versus buying new, finding choices both my husband and I will like, and balancing what’s practical against what’s purely decorative. Shopping with a gift card felt different than spending my own money—still exciting, but not completely stress-free. I wanted to find something I truly loved.
A view of the lantern with more of the still-unfinished room
I was taking photos while it was snowing outside—extra cozy and moody, just the way I like winter!
I searched for a secondhand lantern first, checking the Re-Store and other local options, but this time I couldn’t find the right piece. I have had luck finding antique lighting before, but not on this occasion.
And now, a view from below. Don’t you love how bloggers show multiple photos of the same light?
When I checked availability on one of my earlier choices, it had gone out of stock due to high interest. So much for announcing my plans! That option was no longer available. I also reconsidered the Pottery Barn bell lantern after reading comments about bugs collecting inside the glass—an amusing but practical concern—and realized it wasn’t the best fit for our dining room.
The search continued. Yes, I admit I obsessed a bit over a dining room light. I wanted the right scale for the room and table, something in stock and ready to ship within my gift card budget, and a style that felt right for our home.
One final look back from this angle.
After narrowing the choices, checking sizes, consulting my husband, and ensuring the lantern would arrive promptly, I picked a gorgeous Pottery Barn pendant that felt just right.
Yesterday my husband and I grabbed our ladders and installed it together—his and hers ladders side by side. It was a small moment that felt homey and satisfying. The dining room isn’t finished yet, but the new lantern made a big difference toward the character I hoped to bring into this small space.
Finally—more old-house character in my new house!
If this peek at our ladders side by side doesn’t warm your heart, I don’t know what will.
This lantern isn’t extremely bright, so if you need a lot of light you may want additional sources. I have large windows and extra lamps, so the level of light works well for my space, but it’s something to consider when choosing a fixture.
Here are the details for the light I chose from Pottery Barn; some readers mentioned it can be hard to find online, so you may need to call to inquire:
Item # 07-2293991
For those who notice design parallels, this happens to be the same style of lantern that a fellow designer friend has in her dining room. Mine has a copper top while hers is black, so we each ended up with a slightly different look.
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Many thanks to Apartment Guide for inviting me to participate in the New Year New Space Challenge. Their support made this small refresh possible and allowed me to focus on creating a dining space that feels like us.